OBERHAUSEN, Germany – Former UNC Asheville women’s basketball player Kelli Riles has signed a professional contract recently in Germany to continue her playing career.

Riles signed with the team of evo Oberhausen. The team competes in the first division, which is highest level of professional basketball in Germany. Oberhausen is located in the eastern part of Germanyon the river Emscher in the Ruhr area.

Kelli completed her career with 1,039 points and 1,037 rebounds. Her rebounds is the second most in school history and third most in Big South Conference play. She is one of just two UNC Asheville players to score more than 1,000 points and grab more than 1,000 rebounds. Kelli graduated this past May.

Head Bulldog coach Brenda Mock Kirkpatrick is pleased that Riles will continue her playing career.

"We are extremely excited for Kelli Riles and her opportunity to play professionally in the highest division of women's basketball in Germany next season,” stated Kirkpatrick. “She has worked hard throughout her five years here and especially over this past summer to prepare for what's ahead. Not many players are afforded the chance to extend their playing careers and we have no doubt she will represent herself and UNC Asheville very well. A component of our program is to prepare student-athletes to be able to take their games to the next level if that is one of their individual goals. Kelli has accomplished her goal and now has to go experience the professional game while learning a new culture."